JetBlue Pilot Arrested In Boston Heroin Bust
BOSTON (CBS) – A JetBlue pilot was one of six people arrested by Boston Police in a drug deal near Boston Common over the weekend, investigators said Monday.
Police told WBZ-TV John Manwaring, 42, of Maitland, Florida, was arrested Sunday evening on a charge of possession of alleged heroin.
Officers said he was one of several people involved in drug transactions in an alley near 75 Boylston Street, near the Green Line MBTA stop.
Investigators say Manwaring told them he was a pilot for JetBlue.
The airline confirmed that and sent this statement to WBZ-TV Monday:
"We are aware of the allegations and are prepared to cooperate fully with the authorities. The crewmember in question was removed from duty last night pending the outcome of the investigation. In compliance with all FAA and DOT regulations and requirements, JetBlue has in place a rigorous drug testing program for crewmembers that includes a strict "no tolerance" program."
A spokesperson for Federal Aviation Administration told WBZ:
"The FAA is aware that law enforcement authorities arrested an individual identified as a pilot for a U.S. airline on drug-related charges in Boston yesterday. The agency does not comment on potential enforcement actions that it might take in such cases."
A woman with Manwaring, Jennifer Robinson, 31, of Boston, was also arrested and charged with possession of alleged heroin, police said.
The other four arrested, according to police, were:
Braulio Valentin, 34, of Worcester. He's charged with distribution of heroin and trespassing.
Pedo Davilo, 36, of Boston. He's charged with distribution of heroin and possession of cocaine.
Gerardo Puchales, 26, of Boston. He's was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 yards of a school and trespassing.
Abraham Ayala-Garcia, 31, was charged with trespassing.
All six people were arraigned Monday afternoon in Boston Municipal Court.
Manwaring pleaded not guilty and was released on a promise to return to court.
He had no comment for reporters after his arraignment.
MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON